| ISBN | 9789956558674 |
| Pages | 134 |
| Dimensions | 203 x 127 mm |
| Published | 2009 |
| Publisher | Langaa RPCIG, Cameroon |
| Format | Paperback |
The Lord of Anomy
by Basil Diki
In 1875 the Rozvi Kingdom, now in present day Zimbabwe, is indistinctly besieged from within by the convergence of a missionary, Rev. Holbrook, a militant British bourgeoisie aspiring for knighthood, Sir Crowler, and an immorally amorous war emissary allegedly from King Cetshwayo of the feared Zulu Kingdom. The ‘Zulu’ ambassador uncompromisingly makes painstaking demands. While Rev. Holbrook is earnest in his endeavours, Sir Crowler is adamant the natives are enemies of both God and Britain meant for annihilation. The elders cannot consult the oracles; all diviners having fled before the arrival of the foreigners. An enigmatic and malicious hermit comes to the fore in the calamitous confusion that ensues. But nobody can tell with certainty if the hermit is messianic or anarchical.
Reviews
“Basil Diki’s scant and expert use of poetry, eclogue and juxtaposition of contradictory elements is masterly. The play’s level of debate is highly judicial and academic. The story itself provokes debate, both academic and religious, while enhancing judgmental skills. …. The play offers ethnographic elements with regards the Rozvi of present day Zimbabwe and the Zulu of South Africa. …. This is undoubtedly great scholarly work…. The Lord of Anomy is a brilliant, unforgettable and gripping classic masterpiece.”
“… a gripping dramatization of the age old conflict between African Traditional Religion and Christianity, has the makings of a family saga with its court intrigues, the problematic of fratricide and the struggle for hegemony which situates the drama within a historical and allegorical context.”